Amnesty says 1 year on and still no investigation into Fiji beatings

Amnesty International has highlighted that the handover of military command in Fiji coincides with the anniversary of the release of a video showing prisoners being beaten.

The head of the watchdog's New Zealand branch, Grant Bayldon, says the change of command is an opportunity for the regime leader Frank Bainimarama to ensure those responsible for torture are brought to justice.

Mr Bayldon says there's no evidence of an investigation into the video exactly one year since its release online and he says Mr Bainimarama should show leadership on the issue.

"It's an unfortunate coincidence for the Fijian government that the handover is the same day one year ago that that beating video was released showing absolutely appalling torture of two men who are believed to have been recaptured prisoners. At a time where Fiji is claiming to be moving towards democracy, towards the rule of law, this is really a reminder of the many issues that still remain there."